depress,frustrated..Fifth try for nclex-pn

Try to believe in yourself! I failed my first NCLEX RN and was totally devastated. The first time I studied with Kaplan and my private books for content review. I studied for about a month and a half and thought I was okay. Then I took the NCLEX and failed. I realized that i hadn't studied nearly as much as I would have had to. Well the first couple days after I found out I failed were miserable. I felt like a total looser.

Then I started researching and read a lot of stories on this site. It helped me to figure out what I can use to study and most important it change my attitude (Thanks to all the people here for your advice). I started telling myself that I am going to pass and I started studying. I had 5 months between my first and second attempt.

I still studied with Kaplan but I also added the NCSBN learning ext. 3 weeks, Exam Cram NCLEX RN, and I reviewed pretty much everything in my books from nursing school - started with the simple anatomy and physiology to pathology nursing process, communication, development etc. I realized, that I had forgotten a lot and it really helped me to refresh my knowledge. It felt like I completely started over. Once I had refreshed everything and understood new things, because I learned them in my own pace, I started doing practice question along with the Kaplan strategies. And I did a lot of practice question. I guess probably about 3000. The NCSBN learning ext. was actually great. Very detailed and a whole lot but it helped me understand what the NCLEX questions really ask. For meds (I hated studying meds) I used the free app on the ncsbn website. It was really helpful because you can review meds anywhere with your phone.

When I was about to take the NCLEX the second time I felt much more confident (as confident as you can be) and I also knew that I had studied my butt off. Of course thre was a lot of pressure but keep calm and try to think logical. And go with your first choice. Once you've made a decision don't start over thinking the question again. That is what messed me up too.

All I can tell you is, that not everything works for everybody. You will have to figure out yourself what books and courses are good for you. Just don't rely on just one resource. But it is important to believe in yourself, to stay calm and to be confident. Study until you are ready and don't rush into it. But also don't wait too long.

I hope I could help you a little bit. You are not alone and you will kick the NCLEX in the b@*!% too!

Good luck!

Try to believe in yourself! I failed my first NCLEX RN and was totally devastated. The first time I studied with Kaplan and my private books for content review. I studied for about a month and a half and thought I was okay. Then I took the NCLEX and failed. I realized that i hadn't studied nearly as much as I would have had to. Well the first couple days after I found out I failed were miserable. I felt like a total looser.

Then I started researching and read a lot of stories on this site. It helped me to figure out what I can use to study and most important it change my attitude (Thanks to all the people here for your advice). I started telling myself that I am going to pass and I started studying. I had 5 months between my first and second attempt.

I still studied with Kaplan but I also added the NCSBN learning ext. 3 weeks, Exam Cram NCLEX RN, and I reviewed pretty much everything in my books from nursing school - started with the simple anatomy and physiology to pathology nursing process, communication, development etc. I realized, that I had forgotten a lot and it really helped me to refresh my knowledge. It felt like I completely started over. Once I had refreshed everything and understood new things, because I learned them in my own pace, I started doing practice question along with the Kaplan strategies. And I did a lot of practice question. I guess probably about 3000. The NCSBN learning ext. was actually great. Very detailed and a whole lot but it helped me understand what the NCLEX questions really ask. For meds (I hated studying meds) I used the free app on the ncsbn website. It was really helpful because you can review meds anywhere with your phone.

When I was about to take the NCLEX the second time I felt much more confident (as confident as you can be) and I also knew that I had studied my butt off. Of course thre was a lot of pressure but keep calm and try to think logical. And go with your first choice. Once you've made a decision don't start over thinking the question again. That is what messed me up too.

All I can tell you is, that not everything works for everybody. You will have to figure out yourself what books and courses are good for you. Just don't rely on just one resource. But it is important to believe in yourself, to stay calm and to be confident. Study until you are ready and don't rush into it. But also don't wait too long.

I hope I could help you a little bit. You are not alone and you will kick the NCLEX in the b@*!% too!

Good luck!

Elens thank u for that encouragement because sometimes I take 4-6 months before I test again. I know that's too long.

Find the right book that best fit your learning type. After having spent hundreds of $$$ on Saunders, Hurst, Lippincott Manual of Nsg Practice, Billings, Exam Cram, etc...I could go on and on. It wasn't till I found Mary Ann Hogan's book that I got in gear studying diligently.

I went to Barnes & Nobles and browsed through each NCLEX RN book they had available and chose Hogan. This is the ONE book that best fit my learning type and I was determined to pass this time.

You mentioned you're getting 50% on tests...review how you're choosing the correct and incorrect answers and determine what's missing. Is it the nursing process....are you implementing before assessing? Is it Maslow....are you focusing on safety instead of physiological needs? And so on and so forth.

All the best in your studies! You can and will overcome this NCLEX monster. Stay positive!